The Difference Between
Veterans and Retired Military

Veterans are individuals who served our country in the armed
forces who were honorably discharged and/or who became ineligible for
active service due to a disability received during active service. Individuals
who retired from the military after twenty or more years of service or
who became totally and permanently disabled due to military service are
Veterans in addition to qualifying as retired military (with
a separate set of benefits).

Our country offers benefits to Veterans in honor of
their service. These benefits may change from time to time. Veterans
are eligible for certain Federal benefits and are also, in some cases,
eligible for additional state benefits.

In some cases, spouses and dependents of Veterans and
retired military are eligible for certain benefits.

Benefits for Veterans and
Their Families

Below are links to sites that will help Veterans and their families
determine what benefits are available to them.

Contact
the VAa part of the VA website where citizens can make an electronic
inquiry directly to the VA. Questions are either answered directly
or are referred to the appropriate office. This page also offers
a long list of FAQs (frequently asked questions). Access to the VA's
various toll-free numbers and regional offices is easy to access.
This includes the Veteran's Benefits Administration, the Veteran's
Health Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.
(3/2010)

Burials and Memorials honors Veterans with a final resting place and memorials. For more
information on burial eligibility, call 1-800-827-1000.
(3/2010)

My
Health eVet
a one-stop-shopping portal for VA benefits, special programs, health information
and services, and health assessment tools. A voluntary portion of the site allows
Veterans to store health information and to allow access to specified individuals.
(3/2010)

National Resource Directory
provides wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, their families,
families of the fallen and those who support them with a web-based directory
of resources.
(3/2010)

Special
Benefits for Certain WW II Veterans (Social Security)
if a veteran meets a set of criteria such as being eligible for SSI, being over
65, and living outside the United States, he or she may qualify for "special
benefits". This benefit is not available to the veteran's dependents or survivors.
(3/2010)

VA
Program for Senior Vets
the Geriatrics and Extended Care Strategic Healthcare Group is divided
into the following areas: Community-Based Long-Term Care, Nursing
Home Care, Geriatric Care, and Residential Rehabilitation Care. The
shared purpose of all these programs is to prevent or lessen the
burden of disability on older, frail, chronically ill patients and
their families/caregivers, and to maximize each patient’s functional
independence.
(3/2010)

If You or the Person
You Are Caring for is Retired Military

If you or the person you are caring for is a member of the retired
military or if you are retired military, check with the appropriate
division of armed services if you have any questions about eligibility
for programs and/or services.

Military
Service and Social Security
earnings for active duty military service or active duty training are covered
under Social Security as is inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves
(such as weekend drills).
(3/2010)

TRICAREthe healthcare system for active and retired military. Be sure
to investigate the TRICARE
Pharmacy Program. Please note that not all veterans are retired
military. TRICARE is a Department of Defense program, not a Veteran's
Administration program. The Veteran's Administration provides benefits
for those who served their country in the military but left the service,
without retiring from the military, for civilian life.
(3/2010)

TRICARE
Retiree Dental Programinformation on affordable coverage for dental services, a comprehensive
dental benefits program created for Uniformed Services retirees and
their families.
(3/2010)

When
a Veteran or Retired Military Serviceperson Dies

If your family member was in the military, certain
benefits may be available to you, including continued health care benefits
through TRICARE. Please note that TRICARE is a program for active and retired
military. For a definition of military versus veteran, click
here. Contact the appropriate division of armed services for a complete
listing of benefits and assistance.

If your family member served in the armed forces
but did not retire as military, check with the Veteran's Administration
for potential benefits and services. Please note that if your family
member is retired military, he or she is also a Veteran.

For Funeral Arrangements
If your family member is a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
provides small burial allowances. Burial at no charge
may be possible in an area where a national Veterans Cemetery is located.
Members of the Reserve or National Guard may also be eligible.

VA Regional Offices can assist in determining eligibility
for burial in VA national cemeteries. The toll-free
number for the nearest VA Regional Office is 1-800-827-1000.

Upon the family's request, every eligible veteran may request
a military funeral honors ceremony, to include
folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing
of Taps. The military funeral honor detail will consist of two
or more uniformed military, with at least one being a member of
the veteran's parent service of the armed forces.

A Presidential Memorial Certificate,
an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President to honor
the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans, may be requested.